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By the time you read this we will be in the midst of the Twelve Days of Christmas which begin December 25th and end on Epiphany, January 6th. We will be on the cusp of a new year when we tend to take stock of where we have been and where we are going. We reflect on our life and relationships and perhaps set new goals personally and professionally. It may be a time to take a deep breath after the busy-ness of the holiday season. For some, January can also be a time of the “blahs.” Guests have gone home, the decorations come down, and the weather prevents us from doing outdoor activities that tend to bring us energy and joy.

Beginning the weekend of January 3-4, we will begin a new worship series entitled “Spiritual Affective Disorder” which is a play on “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD. SAD happens when lack of sunlight affects our moods and ability to cope effectively, but the spiritual version can be a condition when we we’ve had prolonged stress and life is disturbingly uncertain. This series reflects on spiritual practices that can help us respond to that which impacts our mental health.

The grey Chicago winters tend to be a challenge for me. I up my dose of Vitamin D, I utilize a sun lamp and I will be taking a vacation the end of the month to somewhere sunny and warm. But there are spiritual practices that also support us when the “blahs” set in. Listening to or making music, laughter, acts of kindness, finding sacred space in the everyday, exercise, and eating well all help us to nurture our body, mind and spirit for resiliency.

It’s important to be reminded of what nurtures us. The last several years have been stressful for our nation and world. Whether or not you are dealing with personal challenges, we all benefit from strengthening practices that bring us joy and overall good health. May the beginning of 2026 be a time of reflection and focusing on that which will make us stronger.

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” ~Isaiah 60:1